Immunity Oil contains Eucalyptus Globulus, Red Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Oregano, Clove, Tulsi (Holy Basil) ,cinnamon leaf, lemongrass, Orange & Fir Balsam. These oils were used during the time of the plague, by thieves, to ward off illness as they took watches, shoes and clothing of those who had died plague, pretty morbid history, but it does illustrate the effectiveness of these essential oils for decades before! My favorite application of Immunity oil is to put it on your feet when doing the wool sock remedy, anytime you feel a cold coming on. This is a strong oil, so I do not recommend putting it anywhere near your face, better for chest & feet. Immunity spritzer is great for clearing a space where illness has been.

Funny side story, I was clearing my windowsill, so I would be able to place the Aromatherapy bottles in the window for a Full Moon infusion, when I found a baby grasshopper! He was so cute, I got side tracked into making a little terrarium for him to live. Then I just had to read the shamanic meaning of grasshopper…Turns out Full Moons were known to coax beautiful music out of a grasshopper, wonder if I will hear his sweet melody on Friday night. They are also bearers of Good Luck, Prosperity, Health & Fertility! How funny since these oil blends are about prosperity, health & fertility! I like to think these blends have been infused with grasshopper magic also, since he sat peacefully in his terrarium, eating clover leaves & watching me pour oils.

It took all day to make these special blends & I can only hope they last through Christmas time, because last year when I made my oil blends I sold out in two weeks & didn’t have time to make for Christmas shopping, so stock up now! Oils will be available for purchase beginning w/ this Saturday's First Degree Reiki Class.

I have had so many clients ask me, what exactly does Cupping do? I decided to dedicate a blog to Fire Cupping Therapy!
Cupping is a common practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however its history dates back to 1550 B.C, when Egyptians first discovered and used cupping for medicine. Archaeologists have found evidence of cupping in ancient Greece. It is still commonplace in Turkey, Hungary and other Eastern European countries as well.
So what is Cupping? Cupping is the application of glass cups to create suction on the surface of the skin. Using heat, a cottonball that has been dipped in alcohol then lit on fire, then quickly inserted into the cup, this creates a vacuum, it’s a real science experiment! This vacuum glass cup is placed on an area of the body, to create suction, the cup can be left on 3 minutes or up to half an hour. Sometimes they can be moved along pathways on the back, this is called running cupping, this is my favorite treatment for backache with insomnia.
Cupping Treatment has been shown to affect the muscles up to four inches deep into the tissue, so you can see how it can get in deeper than even the deepest, deep tissue massage. Cupping has a beneficial action on the lymph system, activating it and clearing toxins. 5 minutes of Cupping therapy has been shown to be equivalent to 45 minutes of Myofascial release for the muscles, so you can see how powerful it is!
Cupping also increases blood flow to the area. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed cold viruses enter through the back of the neck, with cold, wind invasion. Therefore cupping the back of the neck brings blood flow, warmth and pulls the virus out. It is particularly good for a cold with a hacking cough, it will lessen coughs. Sometimes it will bring a cold virus up and out, so you may feel worse for a day, but then it is gone, gone, gone. I'd rather have a strong cold virus for one day, than a lingering, nagging little cold for weeks.

Cupping can treat muscular pains by pulling fresh blood to the region, increasing the oxygen to the area, improving the Lymph circulation, all of these contribute to better muscle health. When cupping right on a knot of tension, bringing fresh blood to the area of concern, allows the knot to be released, then when followed with massage, the work can be more effective.
What about those Red Spots left behind?!
Everybody wants to know why they have those red spots after, those are evidence of the blood circulating to the area. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) those spots would be used as a diagnostic tool by a physician. Where there is more tension, there is a greater suction of the cups and hence a darker red spots.
Other areas may not be effected as much. For instance, if you are fighting a cold and I cup the back of your neck it may be dark red, purple and even a little sticky when I remove the cup, that is a tale, tale sign that you are fighting a virus. The markings are harmless, generally painless, though they can sometimes feel sensitive to touch. Usually the mark will go away within two weeks of the cupping treatment.
Do you remember when Gwyneth Paltrow wore a backless dress to the Oscars with those cupping marks? That was all the rage in the cupping community! You can find pictures of it here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3879447.stm
Jennifer Anniston just did the same thing recently, celebrities with cupping marks, always make cupping trendy!
Seriously though, there has been a lot of research about the effectiveness of cupping therapy lately. As a migraine sufferer myself, I most enjoyed hearing that the latest research shows 66% of migraine sufferers found relief from cupping therapy. Maybe our society could give up its addiction to OTC Pain Killers and get addicted to cupping therapy and massage instead.
If you are an LMP interested in learning how to do Cupping treatments, let me know, we may be having classes soon!

90 minutes of Massage Bliss designed to invigorate & energize you for Fall.

With the kids back in school and on a regular schedule, stressed out parents can finally get back to the Spa!

This 90 minute treatment includes hot steamy towels to soothe tired muscles, a full back exfoliation Lemongrass Salt Glow to shed your Summer snake skin. Then it's our special Rejuvenation aromatherapy blend of oils including Floracopeia's Sandalwood, Palo Santo, Marula oil to uplift combined with Kukui nut and avocado oil to deeply hydrate, Lemongrass oil to rejuvenate and Arnica oil to deeply soothe muscles. Cupping treatment is optional, but advised to increase blood circulation and boost your immune system right before Fall Flu Season! Then there is Tuina massage, which is a special technique to invigorate and energize combined with deep tissue massage, shiatsu, foot reflexology. Finally, finishing off with Reiki and craniosacral to calm your spirit and prepare you for your busy Fall, oh my gosh soon it will be Christmas season!

all this for $108. ($ 74.00 savings!)

This special is available now through 9/30/12

Back to School Spa Special

Also, our (Shh Secret) Back to School Super Massage Sales Event:

this special is only available during school hours starting 9/5/12

from 9am-2pm Tuesday-Friday only

only one time per client

Receive a 90 minute massage for the price of a 60 minute ($95.)

expires 9/30/12

not valid w/ any other discounts or coupons, this one cannot be purchased as a gift certificate.

Piriformis Syndrome
As a massage therapist, I have found working the Sacral/gluteal region to be so important in treating low back pain. I think of this Sacral/gluteal region as the Chassis, holding the framework for the whole body. As I massage and stretch the gluteal region, I have found more and more people with Piriformis muscle issues. The Piriformis muscle is such a workhorse helping us walk, balance, run, bike, hike, swim, walk the dog and stand; all those activities we like to do in the Summer. Maybe that's why I'm seeing so much of it lately! When tightness and tension in the Piriformis muscle leads to chronic pain you may be experiencing Piriformis Syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome is neuromuscular disorder that involves the piriformis muscle causing pain, tingling and numbness in the gluteal/buttocks region (a real pain in the ass!). When the piriformis muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or overuse, it can compress the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle. There may be pain in the whole sacral region and low back area. Piriformis syndrome can lead to a belt of tension that runs around the waist, low back and hips.
The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle located in the gluteal region near the top of the hip joint, just off the Sacrum. This muscle stabilizes the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This helps us walk, climb stairs, shift our weight from one foot to another, ride a bike and maintain our balance while standing. It is used most every motion of the hips and legs!
The sciatic nerve is a thick, long nerve running just off the Sacrum. It passes alongside the piriformis muscle, goes down the back of the leg, and eventually branches off into smaller nerves that end in the feet. Nerve compression can be caused by tightness or spasm of the piriformis muscle or an enlarged piriformis.
There are so many muscles that connect to Sacrum, I like to say sometimes they act like unruly children in line for recess, pushing and shoving, pinching the Sciatic nerve...When I do trigger point and deep tissue massage to the Sacral region, I'm like the nun in Catholic School telling all the muscles to line up nicely and get along!

Piriformis & Sciatic NerveAnatomy photo from www.innerbody.com

Inactive glutes can contribute to piriformis problems because they support hip extension and assist the piriformis in rotating the leg. If the hip flexors are too short or tight, such as when someone sits with hips flexed (as in sitting all day at work, sound familiar?) or stands all day in the same position on a hard surface, such as cement floors (think grocery clerk). This deprives the glutes of activation so the supporting muscles to the glutes (hamstrings, adductors and piriformis) have to work extra hard! This produces tightness and sometimes severe pain in the glutes (hence pain in the ass!)
Muscle overuse resulting in piriformis syndrome can be from activities performed in the sitting position that involves strenuous use of the legs as in rowing or standing in one position without being able to flex muscles. Runners, Cyclist and other athletes engaging in forward-moving activities are most susceptible to developing piriformis syndrome if they don’t stretch and do strengthening exercises. These activities can also lead to increased piriformis size, then sciatic nerve impingement is nearly inevitable.
Another cause of Piriformis Muscle tightness is dog walking! Especially if you have a large dog who likes to tug at the leash and carry you along. Think about the muscles used when holding back a big dog, you tend to put all your weight into your heels, you can just feel your glutes tightening up to hold you steady so you're not dragged away by your dog. I frequently find tight piriformis muscles in my dog owners.
I have seen Piriformis problems from women who wear high heels and either walk or stand frequently (think of those retail clerks at Macy’s or women in finance) What is it with women and heels? It’s like telling a smoker to quit! Good for massage business I suppose! Which reminds me…
Piriformis syndrome can also be caused by pronation of the foot. When a foot overpronates it causes the knee to turn in, causing the piriformis to work hard to protect the knee. This causes the piriformis to become tight, which can lead to piriformis syndrome. A podiatrist is recommended in this case to adjust foot pronation with orthopedics. Foot Reflexology and Passive Foot Stabilization can be helpful here.
I have seen Piriformis Syndrome in pregnant clients as a result of the forward shift in weight and the increased weight they are carrying creating a strain on the Piriformis, this is another reason for increased chance of Sciatica during pregnancy. The good news is this is usually remedied by having the baby and getting back to a normal weight, improved posture.
Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms:
Piriformis syndrome usually starts with pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks ( it’s a real pain in the ass as I keep saying!). Pain can be severe and extend down the leg. The pain is due to the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve, such as while sitting or standing for a long time. This is also common in pregnancy as the hips, sacrum are shifting due to increase weight gain. Similarily piriformis pressure can come from carrying excess weight even when you are not pregnant, maybe just needing to shed some pounds. Pain may also be triggered while climbing stairs, applying firm pressure directly over the piriformis muscle, or having to stand in the same position for long periods of time (like grocery clerks). I just had to stand in line @ Disneyland and I really felt it in my piriformis! The body is designed to keep moving, not stand still.
The tricky business of diagnosing Piriformis Syndrome:
There is no definitive test for piriformis syndrome. In many cases, there is a history of trauma to the area, repetitive, vigorous activity such as long-distance running, cycling or prolonged occupational standing (grocery clerk again). Diagnosis of piriformis syndrome is often times determined by ruling every other form of hip gluteal pain using X-rays, MRI’s & other tests to rule out herniated disc, osteo-arthritis or need for hip replacement. When nothing is conclusive Doctors may shrug & say, “maybe Piriformis Syndrome?” It seems as elusive as Migraine used to be for women!
What to do if you suffer from Piriformis Syndrome:
If pain is caused by sitting, standing or certain activities, try to avoid the positions that trigger pain. Rest, ice, and heat may help relieve symptoms. I was one of the Massage Therapists in the Group Health Low Back Pain study, where clients were given massage for low back pain and the study concluded that Massage did indeed work! So of course my recommendation for Piriformis Syndrome and low back pain in general would be Massage, Massage, Massage!!!
Tennis ball to the gluteal range (one side at a time) may be helpful as deep pressure to the piriformis can help. Just be careful you are not on the Sacurm (the bony landmark that is like a triangle in your low back/gluteal range) if you have the tennis ball on bone, it will feel really wrong. When it is on the muscles it may just hurt so good! Lay on it for 3-10 minutes on each side. This tennis ball solution can become addicting! Yet less problematic than an Oxycodone addiction!

Tennis Ball in gluteal range

Release the Piriformis Muscle w/ a Tennis Ball

Some health care providers may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil), muscle relaxants (Valerian or something stronger) or injections with a corticosteroid or anesthetic. I have heard talk of Botox to the region, but don’t know if that works.
Piriformis syndrome is also known as "wallet syndrome," because it can be caused by sitting with a large wallet in the affected side's rear pocket, I think there was a Seinfeld episode about this? Oh now you get the Seinfeld reference from yesterday!

Could it be your WALLET?

Of course I'm a big fan of Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point, Acupressure and Shiatsu can help with Piriformis Syndrome (I have some client converts who will tell you so!)
Cupping Treatment to the Gluteal & Sacral regions can help by bringing fresh blood to the area. They now sell Silicone cups that do not require flame, so simple you could quite possibly purchase online and do this treatment for yourself. If you have never tried cupping, I recommend coming in and trying it out, I love it!

Once Piriformis Muscle is pinned, you can bring foot lateral to stretch the Piriformis.

With the clients prone, bend their knee, holding their ankle/foot shorten the Piriformis muscle by bringing their foot in medially (hips rotating). I prefer to use my fist for the most even coverage, but occasionally I will use elbow here if I want to get in deeper. I pin the Piriformis with my fist, then pull the foot/ankle laterally towards me (have the client breathe, this can be an intense stretch!)
There are some exercises and stretches to help reduce pain from piriformis syndrome. These stretches may help:

Pigeon Pose

Piriformis Stretch

Yoga is also beneficial.
Superfeet are great for those of us who work on our feet! These insoles will give a bounce to your step and keep your glutes and piriformis happy!
Wearing supportive, gel inserts shoes when standing for long periods of time can help. If you have a job where you are on your feet for more than 6 hours a day, you should be buying new shoes with gel inserts every 6 months to keep that cushion strong.
Heels? Just don’t wear them if you have to walk or stand at all! Or wear them & just come get a massage every week!
My favorite shoes for Gel Support are Asics! I got a pair last year & they were so comfy & put such a spring in my step, that I actually went back & bought a second pair as back up (what can I say they were on sale!) I highly recommend tennis shoes with lots of gel inserts if you are on your feet all day long!
Epsom Salt Baths are great for softening the muscles including the Piriformis! Epsom salts are so affordable you can really put a haping cupful in a warm-hot tub every night.
Have you heard of the Tush Cush? I had one client with hip/low back/ glute pain from sitting all day & she swore by this!
Contents of this Blog are copywritten by Queen Anne Healing Arts.
Here are some of the products I recommend for piriformis syndrome:

Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice is June 20th 7:09pm for those of us in the Pacific Northwest. This is the Sun’s longest day and Summer has just begun. Filled with trips to the beach, sunny skies (finally, right?) and hopefully some lazy days. Summer is a time for families to get together, go on adventures and create some lifelong memories!
When I was a kid and we went camping, my mom always had a great first aid kit on hand. I loved looking through the various creams and remedies, my love of healing coming through. I was fascinated by a rattlesnake bite kit my mom had. I secretly hoped one of us would get bit so we could use this thing, but it never happened...
I was talking to one of my clients, who is a mom, about some things I always like to have in the car when we travel, like Arnica, Advil, basic first aid stuff. Then we were talking about sunscreens, she was saying how confusing it all was. I decided to blog about a Summer Health Guide including my favorite first aid remedies. This is a great reminder for myself as we get ready to do some road trips, camping and travels I want to make sure I have all of this on hand in the car. As an added plus, if the Mayans are right and the world is coming to an end as we know it, I'll have my survival gear all ready! Of course, I live with a Wilderness First Responder w/ MERT training so I have learned a lot from him combined with my Massage Therapy knowledge, here’s what we know:

I always seem to attract mosquitoes (my friends love camping with me because the mosquitoes always go for me & leave them alone!) This is the only combination I have found to keep bugs away. Avoid the toxic bug sprays that contain DDT, a toxic neurochemical, I can't believe anyone would spray that stuff on children...The nice thing about this aromatherapy spritzer is even if you forget to use it initially and do get a few bites (I usually don't think to put it on until after I've had the first mosquito bite me) this blend feels soothing on bitten, scratched skin unlike the toxic sprays that can sting scratches.
It's featured in our Store!
https://queenannehealingarts.mycafecommerce.com/product/dont-bug-me

Mexoryl is the only Sunblock that protects against UVA & UVB rays

Sunblock vs. Sunscreen?
So confusing right? There has been a lot of talk about the difference between Sunscreen & Sunblock…
Rumours that sun block can prevent Vitamin D intake, which we desperately need in the Northwest…
Dr.OZ show recommended Mexoryl sunblock, which has been getting a lot of positive press. UVA rays have a longer wavelength than UVB rays, so they go much deeper into the skin, which causes wrinkles and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Normal sunscreen does not protect against UVA rays. As the name implies, it is a screen, not a block, so it lets a lot of harmful rays in. No wonder they haven’t worked for all of us! They only work to protect against UVB rays that cause sunburn, but do not prevent long-term damage from sun exposure.
Some sunscreens contain Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide that does block a small amount of UVA rays, but you literally have to coat it on so strong that your whole face would be bright white! Mexoryl is the only product on the market that can actually protect you from all UVA rays. La Roche-Posay has the U S patent for now so they are the only brand to buy. I’d say my face & my child’s skin future is worth it!
You can order Mexoryl Sunblock at the bottom of this blog...
I have also learned that the FDA is cracking down on sunscreens that say they are waterproof because they have found that doesn’t test out, so don’t fall for that, sunscreen either washes off or becomes ineffective when swimming or immersed in water. Reapply often, too.
Sunburn:
Even with the best Mexoryl sunblock, you might get sunburn in Summer (especially if you are from the Northwest & you have 8 months of winter with three months of getting out to get your solar battery charged!)
Aloe Vera is the #1 go to for sunburn! Slather it on generously, it is an affordable remedy which you can even grow in your home.
Allergic Reactions:
Benadryl can be used for allergy attacks of course, but is also a good one to keep on hand in case of an allergic reaction to bee sting, mosquito bite, etc. I remember camping one time when a mosquito bit the one area I hadn’t sprayed with Citronella, my eyelid! It swelled up like a baseball within minutes, but thanks to Benadryl I was able to control the swelling.
Insect Bites:
Burt’s Bees Rescue Remedy amazing healing for bug bites, scrapes, scratches.
Blisters: Moleskine pads & blister band aids can save the day & keep you hiking! These are such life savers, especially if you have hiked in camping and you have to hike out with a big blister.
Pain: Advil or Tylenol. I find Advil relieves swelling much better than Tylenol so if the pain is related to swelling use advil (like in tooth pain or swollen muscle).Bandages:Butterfly band-aids are the best for stitching together an open gash. These can be huge lifesavers! I still remember getting a huge gash in my knee from a skating incident that involved falling w/ a glass of soda in my hand, somehow a huge piece of glass gashed opened my knee. The Doctor recommended butterfly bandages instead of stitches.A good assortment of sizes bandaids is always good to have on hand.Other good to have on hand items: • Gloves• hand santitizer• scissors • tweezers• peroxide• bactine• Neosporin• cotton balls & Qtips• eye wash cup• Emergen-C for rehydration• Chocolate for blood sugar• Space blanket (metallic heated blanket)• tourniquet bandage• Dramamine• Biohazard bag
• Ginger candy for car sickness or nausea• Aqua Water Treatment Tablets Matches- if you get a tick bite & the tick is embedding in you, you can use a heated match (not on fire of course, light, blow out & then..)place heated match on the tick and it will back out. Matches are great for starting fires, never know when you’ll need to do that!Aqua water treatment tabletsBook: Backcountry First Aid & Extended Care

first aid

Be safe & have fun this Summer! And don't worry if you're sore you can always get a massage &/or Reiki...
Here is a link to many of the things you may want to stock up on for Summer, including Mexoryl:
Mexoryl Sunblock:

Ah Spring, smelling those sweet cherry blossoms always makes me think of Fertility! I thought this would be a good time to share how to do a simple Castor Pack to increase your chances of conceiving. More information like this will be available soon in my E-book Fertility Acupressure available on my website and on Amazon this Summer.
Please remember while Castor Packs are safe to do at home, they are extremely detoxifying! You will want to drink lots of water the next day to help your liver process, maybe take an Epsom Salt bath the next day. When you are trying to conceive only do Castor Packs during the Follicular Phase of your cycle (from day 1 of your period until you ovulate about 1st 14 days). Just do 1-2 Castor Packs during this time, if you get over zealous, you may make yourself sick!

Castor oil Pack for Fertility

Castor oil pack is one of the most effective treatments you can do at home to increase your own fertility. A castor pack is used over the abdomen and uterus to increase blood flow to the Uterus and move lymphatic fluid. Castor packs are especially beneficial for women with endometriosis, fibroids, polysystic ovary syndrome (POS), blocked fallopian tubes and heavy menstrual periods. The castor oil relieves congestion and inflammation to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It also detoxifies the liver, improves metabolism and digestion. The liver affects conception because it affects hormone metabalism and regulates blood sugar levels. Castor oil can be used for scar tissue in the pelvic region, where there may have been any surgery or c-section. Castor oil therapy can reduce adhesions, loosening up masses, such as fibroids or cysts. It also pulls toxins out, when toxins enter the blood stream, they can potentially cause free radical damage, inflammation, and DNA damage. If the liver cannot detox efficiently, environmental chemicals are stored in the fat cells. This is one of the root causes of women's diseases like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, glucose imbalances, thyroid problems, etc. All of these conditions, as you can see, ultimately lead to fertility issues of some sort. Castor oil therapy is a simple way to address all of these conditions at once.
Edgar Cayce was a pioneer in bringing Castor Oil Packs to the world. Since his time, scientific studies have shown that Castor oil packs can boost the immune system by increasing the number of lymphocytes, increase blood circulation and increase fertility.
Pure food grade Castor oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, healing and detoxifying. This brings me to a valid point, you want a good quality Castor oil, look for brands such as “The Heritage Store” who produces Organic, pure cold pressed Castor oil that is Hexane free. Some of the Castor oils you find in drugstores or grocery stores are not therapeutic grade and not effective. Most Castor oil found in health food store is therapeutic.

Castor Pack Contraindications:

Though Castor packs are very mild, there are times when they should be avoided. Do not use just after any pelvic surgeries, if you have broken skin. Castor packs should not be used at the beginning of your menses or just after Ovulation, if you are trying to conceive. Once you are pregnant, stop using Castor packs. Do not use while breastfeeding because it is such a powerful detoxifier. If you have any serious illness or disease, best to check with your Doctor or Naturopath before beginning a Castor Pack regimen.

How to make your Castor Oil Pack

What you will need:

1 bottle Therapeutic Food grade Castor Oil

Flannel Fabric

(strips from an old sheet or a pillow case.)

Heating Pad, hot water bottle or bucky pillow

Towels you don’t care about/rags

Saran Wrap or large plastic bag

You may find directions for Castor packs that includes soaking the flannel in Castor oil, I always found that to be a huge mess and if it becomes difficult, you just won’t do it regularly, so I prefer to massage my abdomen with a generous amount of Castor oil. Make sure to cover the entire abdomen and pelvic area. Then make nice circular motions around the abdomen, let it be enjoyable. The towels are nearby because Castor oil is sticky stuff. You will want to wipe your hands after. Place a little more Castor Oil on after your massage. Next you place the flannel fabric, either cut square from an old sheet or I like to use a pillow case, it’s just the right size. Put the flannel over your entire abdomen and uterus. Next you can put a strip of plastic, this will really seal in the heat, but it’s not truly necessary, I have done without this step and it’s fine. After the strip of plastic place a thin towel (like a cotton flour sack towel). Next place your heating pack, either a hot water bottle, an electric heating pad or I love to use my bucky pillow. I made my own buckwheat pillow using a medium sized pillow case, which I filled with buckwheat groats (found in the bulk section of any health food store for about 99 cents a lb). Then I sewed up the open end & voila heating pad. I put it either in the microwave or oven to heat up, it stays warm for over an hour.
Which is exactly how long you want to sit with your Castor Oil Pack in place, one hour! I like to do this at night as I’m going to bed, then I lay there for an hour with the warm pack, listening to the radio or reading a book. It’s very soothing. When you are ready to go to sleep, just take off the flannel and heating pad, the oil has probably soaked into your skin by now. Be careful not to wear your favorite clothes just after a Castor Pack because the oil can stain.
How often should you do Castor Oil Packs?
I recommend my clients to do Castor packs 2 times a cycle for a few months before trying to conceive. I have had miraculous stories where a client conceived the night after she did her very first Castor Oil Pack (they had been trying to conceive for over six years!) Everyone’s experience is unique. It depends how much blockage you may have or varying lengths of time to prepare your body to conceive. If you are using Castor Oil Packs at the same time you are trying to get pregnant, you only really have about 10 days out of the month to do them, right? Because you don’t want to do it at the beginning of your menstruation and you don’t want to do it after you have just ovulated if you are trying. So in that case I would do a Castor Oil Pack every night I could from say day 4 or 5 of your cycle (if you’re not bleeding heavily) to the day you ovulate around day 14, just to maximize the effects. If you do more than 3 days in a row, you may feel nauseas as so many toxins are released.
Once you have had intercourse to try & conceive STOP using the Castor Packs until after you have your period. DO NOT DO CASTOR PACKS WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT! THEY ARE TOO DETOXIFYING!!!

Castor oil pack to increase fertility

Castor oil packs are a safe, effective treatment as it softens the abdominal muscles, nourishes the Uterus, brings fresh blood to the fallopian tubes, bowels and internal organs. Because it is so detoxifying, you may experience some adverse side effects, like nausea or malaise. The intensity and duration of these side effects will depend on how much toxins are in your body. If it is bothersome, of course quit the Castor packs and give your body time to assimilate.
You should definitely quit doing Castor packs when you are pregnant, but Castor oil can be useful in different ways when you are pregnant.
I had the perfect Pilates core when I got pregnant, I had worked hard to get those firm abs! My doula said my abdominal muscles were actually too tight, that it could cause problems for labor (women have actually torn their abdominal wall if it is too tight). So she recommended at 4 months for me to massage my belly with Castor oil, again to soften the muscles, I did this about once a week. Bye bye Pilates abs forever! It was worth it though, for a better labor. You can also use Castor oil to massage the Perineum region beginning around 7 months, to prevent tearing during labor.
Here are some products you might find helpful for your Castor oil pack (Heritage is my favorite Castor oil, food grade, hexane free, a brand you can trust!)